This is a must-read for any expectant or new mother, but also for everyone else. It made me realise how very undervalued motherhood is, especially in developed countries where so much emphasis is placed on paid employment. Mothers work so hard caring for their children, but few people notice except when things go wrong. Now I regularly give a word of affirmation and encouragement to parents of small children, often total strangers in the supermarket, and enjoy getting a surprised and grateful response. Alison Blenkinsopauthor of Fit to Bust